Twenty-three years of growth
Twenty-three years ago, a group of students stepped into their neighbors’ homes, not knowing those first conversations would grow into something far greater. What began as a desire to serve became something deeper; relationships rooted in trust, mutuality, and shared hope.
Those early experiences shaped what Solidarity is today. Community members welcomed students into their lives, sharing their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Over time, those connections grew into generational relationships grounded in trust and mutual investment. From these beginnings, Solidarity became an organization that journeys with people, not simply one that provides services.
That foundation continues to guide our work. Rather than arriving with answers, we listen. Community members have identified the barriers that prevent families from thriving, and together we’ve developed initiatives focused on education, neighborhood development, and immigration. These efforts address five key challenges: education inequity, youth violence, food and financial insecurity, lack of representation in places of influence, and a broken immigration system.
As our communities have evolved, so have we. Our team and leadership have grown, programs have expanded, and partnerships have deepened, allowing us to respond thoughtfully to changing needs while staying rooted in our core values.
Today, Solidarity operates two community centers and an immigration initiative, reaching more than 1,000 families in 2025. Through holistic, culturally relevant support, we walk alongside individuals and families as they pursue lasting transformation.
In recent years, the challenges facing our community have intensified. In January 2026, we surveyed program participants to better understand their most urgent needs. The response was clear: immigration support and access to food were at the top by a wide margin. In response, we have expanded these services, following the direction of those we serve.
Camino Immigration Services is now one step closer to offering full removal defense services to meet this urgent need. At the end of 2025, we launched a fundraiser to support this effort and successfully raised funds to hire an attorney dedicated to removal defense.
In addition, we are in the early stages of establishing a food pantry at our Garnet Community Center. The Garnet Food Pantry will operate on a choice model, giving families greater dignity and flexibility while reducing food waste. This approach will allow us to better meet diverse household needs and strengthen long-term stability.
While much has grown and changed, our mission and approach remain the same: to equip Latino immigrant families in under-resourced neighborhoods for community transformation led by leaders within the community itself.
Because this work is rooted in people, we’re excited to launch a new series, Staff Rooted in the Community. Through these stories, you’ll meet the leaders behind this work and learn more about the journeys that continue to shape Solidarity today.
We invite you to follow along and be part of what comes next!